Speaking on the sidelines of an economic forum in southern France, Mr Lafont told reporters Lafarge was, for the time being, sticking to a forecast made in May for a drop of between two and five per cent in global cement sales this year.
Lafarge had to lower an initial forecast for a full-year fall of as much of three per cent as economic conditions continued to deteriorate, hitting construction activity worlwide.
"We will issue a new estimate if needed at the end of July. For the time being this is what I can say," Lafont said in English. The company publishes its results on July 31.
"Our forecast is a mix of developed countries, which are in a recession, and emerging markets that are overall slightly positive – still negative in Central Europe but very positive in Asia, the Middle East and Africa," Lafont said.
